Caroline Bisson
Birthdate
Sport(s)
Para Nordic skiing
Hometown
Ottawa, ON
Classification
Caroline Bisson competed in both biathlon and cross country skiing at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. At the 2013-14 season opening World Cup event in Canmore, Alta., she placed sixth in the middle distance cross country skiing event and sixth in the three biathlon distances.
In 2009, Bisson was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer that required the amputation of her shoulder, collarbone, arm and a part of her chest.
She has a degree in history and politics from the University of Ottawa and a journalism degree from Napier University. Bisson has also studied in France and Spain. She works as a senior strategic communications advisor with Elections Canada, a government agency. Previously she worked as a television, radio and newspaper journalist.
Bisson’s first para-nordic skiing World Cup experience was in January 2012, which set her on the path to high performance sport. She fell in love with biathlon when introduced to the sport in January 2012 for the difficulty and variety of the challenge. As she puts it, “Biathlon requires one to be well-rounded in both body and mind.”
PERSONAL
GETTING INTO THE SPORT: Bisson was introduced to cross country skiing the year before her diagnosis, and simply wanted to continue her sporting life after her operations. She had a chance meeting with some adaptive skiers, and got into the sport.
Sporting life before para-nordic skiing: Recreational runner for two decades with a number of half-marathons under her belt. She also played Ultimate Frisbee at a competitive level for three years.
Resuming her sporting activities was a key aspect of physical and mental rehabilitation. With 15 pounds less on the left side, Bisson explored the range of motions in running, hiking, skiing and yoga to rebuild core strength and maintain balance, as her center of gravity is shifted to the right.
OTHER: Avid back-country camper, hiker and traveler, loves the outdoors. She enjoys writing, reading, international news, documentaries and foreign films. Likes to share her experience with others, particularly youth, through presentations in schools and an amputee visitors program.
Gallery
| Year | Type | Host City |
Medals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Winter |
Sochi, Russia
|
|
